“This system can reset a password in one of two ways – either have a password reset sent to an alternate email address already on record or challenge the customer to answer security questions they had previously set up. When we resume over-the-phone password resets, customers will be required to provide even stronger identify verification to reset their password.”

The over-the-phone password reset of an Apple ID was key in a hacker’s ability to infiltrate and obliterate Wired writer Mat Honan’s iCloud account and wipe his iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air. The hacker was able to dismiss the security questions asked by an Apple representative and instead offered up the last four digits of the credit card tied to the account.

The credit card information was gleaned from Amazon via a social engineering scheme that allowed the hacker to create a new email address for Honan’s Amazon account. Amazon has since suspended the practice of allowing new email addresses be added to accounts over the phone.

Apple and Amazon’s suspension of the practices that allowed nefarious individuals to access accounts is good, but individuals should be mindful of their own security practices to mitigate the likelihood of being hacked. Wired has a some helpful tips to help secure your digital life.